ICE Agent In Contempt After Arresting Suspect During Trial

Empty courtroom with microphones and a podium

A Boston judge declared an ICE agent in contempt of court after the agent arrested a defendant during his ongoing trial, igniting a serious debate about the boundaries of immigration enforcement in courtrooms.

Key Takeaways

ICE agent Brian Sullivan was held in contempt for arresting Wilson Martell-Lebron during his trial for filing a false driver’s license application
Judge Mark Summerville dismissed Martell-Lebron’s case with prejudice, calling the ICE agent’s actions “intentional and egregious violations”
The defendant was detained by plainclothes ICE agents who allegedly did not identify themselves
The incident highlights growing tensions between local courts and federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration
Suffolk District Attorney’s Office was unaware of and “dismayed” by ICE’s interference in their prosecution

Court Authority Challenged by ICE Arrest

In an unprecedented legal confrontation, Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville held ICE agent Brian Sullivan in contempt after Sullivan orchestrated the arrest of defendant Wilson Martell-Lebron during his ongoing trial. Martell-Lebron, who was facing charges related to filing a false application for a driver’s license, was detained by plainclothes ICE agents immediately after leaving court. The agents took him into custody based on allegations that he was living in the United States without proper authorization, effectively removing him from his own trial.

The judge’s contempt ruling stemmed from what he characterized as deliberate interference with the judicial process. Two Massachusetts State Police troopers were aware of ICE’s plans to arrest Martell-Lebron but were not held in contempt by the court. The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office claimed complete ignorance of the planned arrest and expressed frustration at ICE’s disruption of their prosecution. As a result of the ICE intervention, Judge Summerville dismissed the case against Martell-Lebron with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.

Judicial Rebuke and Constitutional Concerns

Judge Summerville’s ruling represented a sharp rebuke to federal immigration enforcement tactics that interfere with court proceedings. “The finding of contempt is a consequence of Agent Sullivan’s intentional and egregious violations of the defendant’s rights,” stated Judge Summerville in his ruling. This firm stance emphasizes the court’s position that even federal immigration authorities must respect the integrity of judicial proceedings and defendants’ constitutional rights to due process and a fair trial.

“It’s a case of violating a defendant’s right to present at trial and confront witnesses against him. It couldn’t be more serious,” said Judge Mark Summerville.

The contempt case has been referred to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office for possible further investigation and charges. This development marks a significant escalation in the already tense relationship between local courts and federal immigration enforcement. ICE has not issued any public comment on the incident or contempt ruling, maintaining silence about the controversial arrest and its aftermath. Meanwhile, Martell-Lebron remains in ICE detention, with his legal situation now complicated by competing jurisdictional claims.

Judge holds ICE agent in contempt after he detained suspect during a trial https://t.co/41WruscJk8 #WhittierDailyNews

— Whittier Daily News (@WhittierNews) April 1, 2025

Broader Immigration Enforcement Context

The courthouse arrest occurs amid President Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement following his return to office. Immigration officers have increased their presence at courthouses across the country, with current policy allowing ICE arrests near courthouses when credible information is available about individuals living in the country illegally. This approach has created friction with local officials in cities like Boston, where Mayor Michelle Wu supports policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement.

“It’s reprehensible. Law enforcement agents have a job to see justice is done. Prosecutors have a job to see justice is done. There is no greater injustice in my mind than the government arresting someone, without identifying themselves, and preventing them from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to a jury trial,” Ryan Sullivan said.

The dismissal of Martell-Lebron’s case has created an unusual situation where neither side achieved their desired outcome. According to his defense attorney Ryan Sullivan, Martell-Lebron had wanted “to be acquitted by a jury of his peers” rather than have the case dismissed. Similarly, the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office expressed disappointment in the disruption of their prosecution. James Borghesani, representing the District Attorney’s Office, stated they were “dismayed and surprised when our prosecution of Wilson Martell-Lebron was interrupted by ICE apprehending him in the middle of his trial.”